My 4-Ingredient Tequila Cocktail Is the Perfect Twist on an Old Fashioned
I am a bourbon girl. I don’t only drink bourbon, but I mainly drink bourbon. When faced with a cocktail menu full of house-made concoctions, I’ll often order one of two classic cocktails: a Manhattan or an old-fashioned. Even though these are two of my all-time favorite drinks, it’s nice to mix it up every once in a while.
Recently, I was delighted to discover that mezcal — a liquor that I enjoy, but don’t drink often — can stand in for the bourbon in an old-fashioned, creating a delightfully smoky twist on the classic. I liked it so much, it’s become one of my go-to cocktails.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s a surprising twist on a classic. Swapping in a combination of smoky mezcal and añejo tequila gives this classic cocktail new life.
It’s dead simple. An old-fashioned is an easy drink to make, with no special equipment needed and finished with a simple garnish of orange peel.
Key Ingredients in a Mezcal Old-Fashioned
Mezcal. Mezcal is a term for any distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It has a signature smoky flavor that sets it apart from tequila.
Tequila. Añejo tequila balances out the smokiness of the mezcal and also adds the signature golden color (typically supplied by bourbon or rye) that you’d expect in an old-fashioned.
Bitters. Opt for classic Angostura bitters here.
Simple syrup. A little sugar rounds out the strong flavors in the drink.
Orange peel. Orange is a foundational flavor in an old-fashioned cocktail. A strip of fresh orange peel, twisted to release its oils, adds a welcome citrus aroma.
How to Make a Mezcal Old-Fashioned
Mix and strain the cocktail. Add mezcal, tequila, bitters, and simple syrup to a mixing glass and stir until combined. Strain into a lowball glass with ice.
Garnish. Cut a 3-inch strip of orange peel. Twist it over the cocktail to release the oils. Garnish with the twisted peel and serve.
Helpful Swaps
You can swap blanco tequila for añejo tequila, but the drink will not have the same amber color.
You can swap agave syrup for simple syrup.
Mezcal Old-Fashioned Recipe
Think outside the bourbon box.
Prep time 5 minutes
Serves 1
Ingredients
Ice
1 ounce añejo tequila
1 ounce mezcal
2 dashes angostura bitters
1 teaspoon Simple Syrup
1 wide strip fresh orange peel
Instructions
Place 1 large ice cube in an old-fashioned or rocks glass, or fill the glass halfway with ice.
Place 1 ounce añejo tequila, 1 ounce mezcal, 2 dashes angostura bitters, and 1 teaspoon simple syrup in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Add enough ice to fill the mixing glass halfway. Stir until combined and very cold, about 30 seconds.
Pour the cocktail through a strainer into the glass. Hold 1 wide strip orange peel over the glass and twist to release the oils. Garnish with the strip of peel.
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